Long-term results of surgical decompression of chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm in motocross racers.

BACKGROUND

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is occasionally observed in the forearm flexor muscles of motocross racers. Long-term results of fasciectomy and fasciotomy for this syndrome are scarce.

PURPOSE: To study the long-term effects of 2 surgical techniques for forearm flexor CECS.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A database of patients with forearm CECS who underwent surgery was analyzed. Long-term pain reduction (visual analog scale [VAS], 0-100) and efficacy were evaluated using a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Data of 24 motocross racers were available for analysis. Intracompartmental pressures during rest, during provocation, and after 1 and 5 minutes of provocation were 15 ± 4, 78 ± 24, 29 ± 10, and 25 ± 7 mm Hg, respectively. Painful sensations in the forearm were reduced from 53 to 7 (median VAS; P < .001). Both fasciectomy (n = 14) and fasciotomy (n = 10) were equally effective. More than 95% (23/24) of the patients were satisfied with the postoperative result after 5 ± 2 years' follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Surgical fasciotomy and fasciectomy of the forearm flexor compartment are equally successful in motocross racers suffering from forearm CECS.